Monterey: 2-Hour GPS Guided Tour

Explore Monterey in a Unique Way with a 2-Hour GPS-Guided GoCar Tour

The Monterey: 2-Hour GPS Guided Tour offers an exciting, self-guided experience that takes visitors through the highlights and hidden corners of this coastal city. Priced at $187 per group up to 2, this tour provides the freedom to discover Monterey at your own pace with a GPS-enabled talking car. It’s perfect for those who want an active, scenic adventure without the constraints of a big group or guided bus.

This 2-hour tour covers some of Monterey’s most iconic sights, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Whaling Station, and Lovers Point. You’ll enjoy the open-top GoCar, which offers panoramic ocean views and narrates fun facts along the route. While weather can influence the experience, the tour typically operates in light rain or wind, with options to reschedule if severe weather cancels the activity.

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Key Points

• Self-guided GPS tour in a two-seater open-top GoCar.
• Duration of 2 hours with flexible timing available in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
• Pass by major sights like Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Whaling Station, and Lovers Point.
• Enjoy scenic ocean vistas from viewpoints such as Kissing Rock and Harbor Seal Lookout.
• Includes helmet and GPS-guided narration, with options to reschedule in case of bad weather.
• Limited to 2 participants for a more personalized experience.

Starting Point at Friendly Plaza and Scenic Route Highlights

This tour begins at Friendly Plaza, home to the Monterey Museum of Art. From there, the GPS-guided GoCar takes you past local treasures like the Moon Tree, Colton Hall Museum, and Casa Serrano. The open-top design ensures that you’ll get unobstructed views of the coastal scenery and the historic landmarks as the car narrates notable stories and facts.

Throughout the route, the narration from the GPS guide makes it easy to learn about the history and significance of each site without needing a guide onboard. This makes the experience both educational and flexible, allowing you to pause or linger at points that catch your interest.

Discovering Monterey’s Historic Landmarks

The tour includes stops at several of Monterey’s historic landmarks. Casa Serrano and the Monterey Mural showcase the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. The Old Whaling Station Adobe offers a glimpse into Monterey’s past as a whaling hub, while Plaza del Oro highlights the city’s Spanish influence.

The Sister City Park and San Carlos Beach provide natural beauty and relaxing scenery. The Cannery Row Monument in Steinbeck Plaza celebrates the literary history of the area, making these stops perfect for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Visiting the Iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium

A highlight of the tour is passing by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, renowned worldwide for its marine exhibits. The GPS narration shares interesting facts about the aquarium and marine life, enriching the experience without the need for a guided tour. This makes it easy to appreciate the significance of the aquarium as you cruise past.

Since the tour is designed to be scenic and informative, early or late in the day can provide the best light and fewer crowds. The aquarium and surrounding area are among the most photographed spots in Monterey.

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Coastal Views from Kissing Rock and Lovers Point

The Kissing Rock Viewpoint and Lovers Point are two of the most scenic stops on the route. From these spots, you can take in sweeping views of the ocean, with the opportunity to pause and snap photos. The tour’s open-top design enhances this experience, making it ideal for capturing memorable vistas.

Lovers Point is also a popular spot for relaxing and enjoying the coastal atmosphere, perfect for a brief break from driving. The panoramic views from these points are some of the most striking in Monterey.

Accessing Monterey’s Natural and Cultural Gems

Beyond the well-known sights, the tour brings you closer to Point Pinos Lighthouse, the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, and John Steinbeck’s Cottage. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History offers insights into the local flora, fauna, and geology, adding depth to the scenic journey.

This combination of natural and cultural stops makes the tour well-rounded, providing a taste of Monterey’s diverse attractions. The route is designed to include both iconic landmarks and lesser-known treasures.

Practical Details: Logistics and What to Expect

The meeting point at Friendly Plaza is easy to find, and the GoCar rental includes a helmet for safety. The GPS-guided narration ensures that you remain informed and engaged throughout the 2-hour journey. The tour is suitable for anyone with a valid driver’s license, and comfortable clothing and sunglasses are recommended.

Severe weather can lead to cancellation, but in light rain or wind, the vehicles typically operate normally. If cancellation occurs due to weather, ticket holders may reschedule or receive store credit. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years or individuals with back problems.

The Experience of a Self-Guided Scenic Adventure

This tour offers a self-guided experience that is both flexible and informative. You control your pace, stopping for photos or to explore further at your leisure. The small group size—limited to 2 participants—ensures an intimate and personalized experience, ideal for couples or friends.

The GPS narration makes it easy to learn about Monterey’s history, landmarks, and natural beauty without a guide present. It combines the thrill of driving a fun vehicle with the joy of discovering ocean vistas at every turn.

Worth Considering: Flexibility and Weather Dependence

While this tour offers a fantastic way to see Monterey, it relies on good weather and a valid driver’s license. The rescheduling option provides a safety net if weather conditions turn severe. The $12 optional CDW insurance is available for extra protection if needed.

The duration of 2 hours makes this a manageable activity, even for those with limited time. The timing options in the morning, afternoon, or evening allow you to choose the best light and crowd levels for your sightseeing.

Final Thoughts: A Scenic, Personal Monterey Adventure

The Monterey 2-Hour GPS Guided Tour stands out for its combination of scenic ocean views, historic landmarks, and flexible exploration. The GoCar‘s open design ensures unobstructed vistas, while the GPS narration provides context and fun facts along the way. The small group size and self-guided nature make it an intimate experience perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking a customized adventure.

This tour is especially suited for those who want to combine driving with sightseeing and enjoy the coastal beauty at their own pace. While weather can influence the experience, the option to reschedule offers peace of mind. Overall, it offers a worthwhile, memorable way to discover Monterey’s highlights in just a couple of hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join this tour if I don’t have a driver’s license?
No, a valid driver’s license is required to operate the GoCar.

What should I bring on the tour?
You should bring driver’s license, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes. The tour provides helmets for safety.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The activity is not recommended for children under 4 years and may not be suitable for people with back problems.

What happens in bad weather?
The activity can be canceled if weather conditions are severe. Ticket holders can reschedule or receive in-store credit.

How flexible is the tour timing?
The tour is usually available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, allowing you to choose a time that fits your schedule.

Is there any extra cost?
Optional CDW insurance is available for $12 but not included in the base price.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby